Viktor Gyokeres 1
Viktor Gyokeres 1
The transfer rumour mill is in overdrive and Manchester United find themselves right at the heart of the latest drama.
With Ruben Amorim now spearheading a fresh era at Old Trafford, United are exploring every available option to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
While other names have stolen the headlines recently, the situation brewing in Lisbon could present the Reds with an unexpected opportunity.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
The saga involves a top scorer who is now at odds with his current club — and developments in Portugal may open the door for United to strike.
That player is none other than Viktor Gyokeres, whose fallout with Sporting CP could reshape this summer’s market.
Reports from Portugal, also cited by Standard Sport, claim that the 27-year-old Swedish striker is ready to down tools in order to secure a move away from Lisbon.
Viktor Gyokeres is said to be furious with the club’s valuation of €80 million (£67 million), believing instead that an earlier agreement had set the price at €60 million plus €10 million in bonuses (£58 million total).
He now suspects Sporting have moved the goalposts, and fears their strategy is to price him out of a move entirely.
Fresh reports on Wednesday suggested the situation has deteriorated further, with Gyokeres now reportedly feeling “disrespected” and even prepared to never play for the club again.
Although Arsenal and Manchester United are still believed to be interested, the former are prioritising Benjamin Sesko, while doubts persist about whether United could afford the price being quoted.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas addressed the issue directly at a public event, pushing back on claims of an agreed fee and offering his own account of the negotiations, as his quotes were relayed by Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto on X.
“I tried to take three days of holiday, but I came back yesterday and saw so much information and misinformation,” said Varandas.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“So I thought it fair to explain the process.”
He continued: “Sporting has common sense and keeps its word.
Gyokeres has had a fantastic season—one of the best players to grace Portuguese pitches—but Sporting will not accept pressure, threats or insults.”
According to Varandas, negotiations last year involved director Hugo Viana and the player’s agent, but not Gyokeres himself.
He clarified: “What was agreed was that we would not demand the release clause now.
I said: ‘There’s no point setting a price because I don’t know what will happen in a year—whether it’ll be €40, €60 or €80.’
“What I guaranteed was that I wouldn’t ask for €100 million.”
Varandas was firm in his stance, stating: “Sporting will not accept €60 million plus €10 million.
“As of today, we have received no offers.”
With tensions rising and no resolution in sight, Manchester United could pounce — but only if they act swiftly and meet Sporting’s expectations.
👀🚨🟢Frederico Varandas, presidente do Sporting sobre Gyökeres: “Tentei tirar três dias de férias, voltei ontem. Vi tanta informação e contra informação que é justo vir explicar o processo.